Lucy Galliard Chief Executive Expand I joined Sinfonia Viva in January 2022, in a role which combines my commitment to making orchestral music as accessible and relevant as possible, and my love of the orchestral repertoire. I read music at the University of York, and completed an MA in the History of Film Music at the University of Leeds before starting my career at a community arts organisation in Doncaster. In 2005 I began working for Live Music Now, a national charity supporting emerging professional musicians across all genres, and enabling people who were least likely to be able to access high quality live music to have performances in their schools, care settings, day centres and hospitals. In 2012 I became Acting Executive Director of Live Music Now UK, having previously worked within the Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Branch of the charity. In 2014 I became the Director of Learning & Engagement at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra where I was responsible for the running of the Symphonic Choruses, CBSO Youth Orchestra, and all the educational, family and community concerts, creative projects, and partnerships. I am also a Trustee of Accessible Arts and Media, an inclusive music charity based in York. 07360 161390 [email protected]
Marianne Barraclough Deputy Chief Executive: Programme Expand I am Deputy Chief Executive at Sinfonia Viva and before that I worked for a creative arts charity based in London. I have been designing and managing creative education projects for over 15 years and I’m particularly interested in creating opportunities to inspire young and older people alike by working closely and creatively alongside professional artists. During my time at Viva the orchestra has won several awards including the prestigious RPS Music Award for Audiences and Engagement in 2018, the Best Family Event award at the Family Friendly Awards in 2016, a national Arts & Business award for a corporate training partnership with Rolls-Royce plc as well as being shortlisted for many other national awards. In 2016 I became a governor at Tower View Primary School, taking the lead as link for the creative arts and outdoor learning. In 2018 I became Vice Chair of Governors. In 2016 I became a trustee of Tom Dale Company, a creative and innovative contemporary dance company which explores the ways in which dance, electronic music and digital art come together. I became Chair of Tom Dale Company in 2018. When I’m not working, I enjoy baking, playing the flute and having fun with my family. 07875 530346 [email protected]
Matthew Lax Head of Orchestra and Operations Expand I graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2003 where I studied music. Whilst there, I concentrated my studies on trumpet performance and played in many of the University's ensembles. I continue to perform in an amateur and semi-professional level in many ensembles in the region when the Sinfonia Viva schedule permits. From 2009 until 2024 I was on the Board of Nottingham-based music charity Music for Everyone, and was also Treasurer for the latter years of this position. Outside of music I enjoy spending time with my young family, cycling, reading and walking. 07979 695523 [email protected]
Sophie Rosa Leader and Artistic Director Expand Sophie Rosa enjoys a varied career as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral leader. She has performed across the UK as a recitalist in venues including the Royal Festival Hall, the Purcell Room, Wigmore Hall, Kings Place and Bridgewater Hall and has appeared as soloist with orchestras including Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Manchester Camerata. Sophie has broadcast for BBC Radio 3 and has released CDs on Rubicon Classics, Champs Hill and EM Records labels to critical acclaim. Sophie is currently leader and artistic director of Sinfonia Viva and has appeared as guest leader with orchestras throughout the UK. As a keen chamber musician, Sophie is a member of Pixels Ensemble and also performs with contemporary music group, Psappha. She is a member of the teaching faculty at the University of Manchester. Sophie plays on a Joseph Gagliano violin dated 1795 and a Claude Fonclause bow made available through the generous support of the Stradivari Trust. Sophie’s most recent recording includes sonatas by Montgeroult, Viotti, Weber and Mendelssohn with the pianist Ian Buckle released on Rubicon Classics in February 2021. ‘finely judged detail, expansiveness and lots of heart’ The Guardian, 2021
Philip Gallaway Principal Second Violin Expand I was appointed principal second violinist of Sinfonia Viva in 2002. Since 1974 I have also been the second violinist of the Coull Quartet, a group that held the post of Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Warwick for over 40 years. I’ve always found the role of playing a ‘middle’ part most satisfying and rewarding, as it is so important in providing the richness of sound of any ensemble. I was educated in Norfolk and my fascination with the violin began when I was about 10 years old, after attending a professional orchestral concert. I soon began having violin lessons, and went on to join several local orchestras and chamber groups. I can still remember the excitement, whilst a teenager, of experiencing so much great music for the very first time. This inspired me to go on to study violin at the Royal Academy of Music, where I took every opportunity to study the string quartet repertoire. Such was my love of chamber music that for a while I was a member of three student quartets simultaneously, all of whom received regular coaching from renowned quartet leader, Sidney Griller. My love of playing chamber and orchestral music remains undiminished, and I have been fortunate to enjoy performing and recording a rich variety of repertoire both at home and abroad, as well as teaching and coaching enthusiastic and talented musicians of all ages.
Hazel Parkes Violin Expand My music making started at the age of 6 when I began learning the piano. I was very scared of my first piano teacher who used to have a 6 inch ruler to hand to give my fingers a slap if I played a wrong note. Luckily my parents moved house when I was 7 so I changed teacher. When I was 11, and about to start secondary school, we visited some friends whose daughter was learning the violin. She let me have a try and I liked it so I started having violin lessons at my secondary school and enjoyed the fun of playing in the School Orchestra and Youth Orchestra. After obtaining A levels in Music, French and German, I studied Violin at Birmingham School of Music (now Birmingham Conservatoire) with John Bradbury and Felix Kok and gained ABSM teaching diplomas in violin and piano followed by ABSM performing diploma (violin) and GBSM. On leaving college, I was offered positions with CBSO and BBC Midland Radio Orchestra. I became a member of the MRO and enjoyed 7 years working for the BBC at their Pebble Mill studios playing popular classical music and light music. I was a member of the orchestra when the BBC decided to re-record the theme tune for The Archers. “We were paid a fee for the performance but unfortunately don’t get any more money every time it’s played on air!” When the MRO was disbanded, I became a founder member of the English String/Symphony Orchestra based in Malvern. One of the most interesting times with the ESO was a 2 week tour of East Germany in 1986. In 1988, my husband relocated from Birmingham to Sheffield for work so we moved to South Yorkshire and still live there. At this point I left ESO and joined Sinfonia Viva. In 1993, three other members of Viva and I founded Bow Belles String Quartet. The group has been together ever since and play music for weddings, parties and corporate functions. My experience in MRO has been very useful for this as Bow Belles play light music as well as classical. We often add to our repertoire with new arrangements and I have enjoyed arranging some of my favourites for us to include. Outside of work, my hobbies are playing tennis and tap dancing (not at the same time!). When I worked at Pebble Mill, The Archers was recorded in the studio next door to the orchestra and since then, I have been a keen listener to the programme. I have 2 daughters. The family lives very close to the Peak District and regularly puts on walking boots to explore the lovely area.
Deirdre Bencsik Principal Cello Expand I started the cello at Primary School in Northampton through the brilliant Music Service there. My teacher, William Boughton, later became a conductor and we crossed paths again in his own Orchestra many years later! I then studied with Christopher Bunting, at the Guildhall School of Music with Leonard Stehn and Raphael Wallfisch and with Robert Gardener in Aspen, Colorado - where my cello temporarily ended up in the wrong State! I then joined the Perry String Quartet, who performed regular concerts and radio broadcasts across the Midlands and as a freelance cellist, played with some of the UK’s leading orchestras - driving around the entire length of the country in my faithful Mini Traveller. I also played in the Cello Quartet “Quatrocelli” and Cello Octet “Red Barn Cellos” – (who needs violins or violas?!) and for 16 years enjoyed making music with good friends in the Usher Piano Trio, exploring the full range of repertoire for this genre. During this time, I qualified as a Music Therapist and consequently worked part-time in the Mental Health sector and with autistic and disabled children in my local Special Needs School. I joined “Sinfonia Viva” in 1983 and have enjoyed the variety of orchestral and chamber music concerts, collaborations with living composers, animateurs, dancers and creative artists, as well as the education and outreach work in the community, working with adults and children. This work is incredibly rewarding, and I feel privileged to be able to use my Music Therapy experience in the various special needs projects with Sinfonia Viva. I have also appeared as a soloist, performing the Concertos of: C.P.E Bach, Saint-Saens, Haydn, Elgar, Martinu and Kabalevsky, Tchaikowsky’s “Rococo” Variations, Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, the Brahms Double Concerto and Krut Nystedt’s “Stabat Mater” for solo Cello and Choir. I enjoy innovative collaborations, including the “Past Lives” Project: performing new compositions alongside archive film footage and I am a member of the band ‘Be’ which created a unique soundscape for Wolfgang Buttress’s UK Pavilion “The Hive” at the World Expo in Milan. Combining science, art and music, ‘Be’ perform with a live stream of 40,000 bees – something of a World first for both species! ‘Be’ have since performed at numerous UK festivals (including Glastonbury), in “The Hive” – (now residing at Kew Gardens) and live performances on BBC Radio 6. Any spare time I have is spent teaching, looking after my teenage son, eccentric husband and thousands of bees in the numerous hives at the bottom of our garden.
Rachel Holt Principal Flute Expand I studied at the RNCM with Trevor Wye, and during this time was a prizewinner in the Young Artists’ Competition of the International Flute Association, held in the USA. I was the Principal Flute in the Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra for fifteen years, and am currently Principal Flute with Sinfonia Viva. As a freelance performer I have played with many of Britain’s leading orchestras, including the Halle, Manchester Camerata and the Philharmonia. I also perform with the light music group Fourtune, and am a member of the chamber ensemble Zephyr. I am also one half of Appassionata, a flute and harp duo which, in addition to performing at weddings and functions and giving workshops, has released a CD entitled ‘Music To Iron By’. I teach at Chethams School of Music, the Junior RNCM, and Lancaster University. I have also given masterclasses in association with Miyazawa Flutes.
Nichola Hunter Flute Expand I was born in Southport, Lancashire and started my musical studies at Chethams School of Music, Manchester. I later studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, with Trevor Wye, Kate Hill, and Colin Chambers, and on piccolo with Patricia Morris. I have taken part in many flute master classes with well-known flautists, including James Galway, William Bennett, Geoffrey Gilbert, and Aureole Nicolet. I currently work as an accomplished freelance musician, playing flute, piccolo, and alto flute, with a highly acclaimed reputation. I have a busy, successful career working with many of the major British orchestras, including the BBC Philharmonic, Halle, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic,Opera North, Welsh National Opera, and BBC Welsh Orchestras. I have performed many solo concerti, and have given receital concerts all over Great Britain. I also enjoy working in chamber music groups, and have appeared on television, (regularly on BBC Songs of Praise), and on radio. I am co-principal flute with the Northern Chamber Orchestra, with whom I have performed as soloist and made several highly acclaimed CD recordings. I am a core player with Sinfonia Viva and greatly enjoy the wide spectrum of varied music we perform, along with the educational workshops and projects we deliver, especially to young children and children with special needs and learning difficulties. I have toured a great deal with major, successful, famous singer soloists, including Luciano Pavarotti, Katherine Jenkins, Lesley Garrett, Russell Watson, and with The Moody Blues on their World Tour. I also combine my freelance performing with an extensive teaching career too. I hold teaching positions in three Grammar Schools, Huddersfield University, and I teach privately also. I live in Cheshire, South Manchester.
Maddy Aldis-Evans Principal Oboe Expand I was born in Leicester and started learning the oboe at aged 7 in the then superb Leicestershire Schools of Music. I continued at Oakham school before moving to the Birmingham Conservatoire where I studied Oboe and composition, obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in professional studies, BA(Hons) degree and ABSM in Composition (merit). I also was awarded the BA Course prize and also the college prize for Orchestral Composition. I continued studying at the Royal Northern College of Music where I gained a post-graduate diploma in advanced Performance and Composition and was awarded the Rawsthorn Prize for composition. From 2005-2013 I worked in Germany as Sub-Principal oboe and Cor Anglais with the Anhaltische Philharmonie in Dessau and from 2000-2005 as solo oboist with Kammerensemble Cologne. After originally joining Sinfonia Viva as Sub-Principal oboe in 2015, I was promoted to Principal oboe in 2018. Always active as a composer, I was commissioned by the IMPULS festival for new music in Saxon-Anhalt in 2012 and the Anhaltische Philharmonie premiered “War-Torn and the angel” for string orchestra, solo flute and trumpet and actor. “River” was commissioned by TrevesPunkt Reed quintet based in Trier, Germany and premiered at the OPENING 2015 festival. “Ascendant in Taurus” was premiered in November 2015 as part of the IMPULS Festival for new music. "The Enchanted Forest" will be premiered in 2019. Web: maddy-aldis.co.uk <http://maddy-aldis.co.uk>
Helen Bishop Clarinet Expand I was born in Wales. I have been a clarinettist with Sinfonia Viva since 2001. I studied at the Welsh College of Music and Drama with Michael Saxton as a Junior student, and then went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music with Georgina Dobree. I returned to the Welsh College for postgraduate study with Martin Ronchetti before attending the National Centre for Orchestral Studies, Goldsmiths College, London. I began my career playing principal and bass clarinet in West End musicals before being drawn towards opera and symphony orchestras. I currently play clarinet and bass clarinet with Welsh National Opera, English Touring Opera, Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra and Bristol Ensemble. I also specialise in playing the basset horn (the clarinet’s big brother), an instrument I feel is rather underrated. I'm currently researching its solo and chamber music repertoire, and hope to promote a greater awareness of the instrument’s unique qualities and true potential. My interest in Welsh clarinet music inspired the composer David Nevens to write a piece for me, “GWYN ap NUDD” for solo E flat clarinet. More recently, a visit to Australia sparked not only an interest in clarinet music by Australian composers but also a taste for red wine by West Australian wine producers. I’m also very passionate about young people being able to have access to music from an early age. I have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in English Touring Opera’s education performances, nationwide and in Luxembourg, for young people and for people with special needs. I find it very rewarding to observe the pleasure that the participants derive at the time and also what they take away with them. In my spare time I enjoy hill walking with my husband and an occasional glass of the afore-mentioned wine.